A few weeks back, Fat Joe revealed he had the opportunity to sign Eminem before he hooked up with Dr. Dre - Em didn't approach Joe with his demos once, but rather six times. The Bronx emcee called it one of his "biggest" regrets, as many would if they passed on the opportunity to sign an artist who'd become one of the biggest in the game - everyone except Akon, however, who had the chance but passed on signing Drake before he made it big.
During Akon's interview with Montreality (around the 6:08 mark), the seasoned record producer talks about Drake's timid ways during the beginning of his career. The guy he calls a "360 artist" these days "didn't really let out too much" about himself back in the day. "He grew into becoming a performer," Akon believes, comparing his shows pre-"Best I Ever Had" to his sold-out tours today. And I felt like I was the only piece that he was missing, but now that he's in this position now I think his confidence has grown a lot."
Right before Akon shares his thoughts on Kanye running for President, he admits Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall brought Drake's music to him but he wasn't a fan. "I honestly did pass on him, because at the time he didn't sound like what he sounds like today. I think he was at a position where he was finding himself," he confesses.
In 2015, Drake "is the champ right now," according to Akon. "Ultimately as time goes [on] people develop, they get better and they become the best because of things like that." Watch and listen as he discusses Drake and more above.
